The name Roxy is a diminutive form of the name Roxana, which has its origins in the Persian language. Roxana was the name of the wife of Alexander the Great, who lived in the 4th century BC. The name is derived from the Persian word "rokshen," meaning "bright" or "shining."

Roxana was a princess of the ancient Bactrian kingdom, which is now part of modern-day Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. She married Alexander the Great in 328 BC and gave birth to his son, Alexander IV. Roxana's name was recorded in various ancient Greek and Roman historical texts, including the works of Plutarch and Arrian.

The name Roxy first appeared as a diminutive form of Roxana in the 16th century. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Roxy is Roxy Durand, a French actress born in 1572. Another notable bearer of the name was Roxy Mosley, an English actress born in 1650.

In the 18th century, Roxy became a popular name in the United States, particularly among Puritan families. One of the most famous historical figures with the name was Roxy Paine, an American sculptor born in 1966, known for her large-scale installations and sculptures made from everyday materials.

Other notable individuals named Roxy throughout history include Roxy Music, an English rock band formed in 1971, whose name was inspired by the name Roxy, and Roxy Hart, the lead character in the musical "Chicago," which premiered on Broadway in 1975.

Another famous bearer of the name was Roxy Roker, an American actress and civil rights activist born in 1928, best known for her role as Helen Willis on the television series "The Jeffersons." Roxy Shihada, a Palestinian-American singer and songwriter born in 1989, is also a notable contemporary figure with this name.